Wait, what? Sleeping on your left side?

pandi02a

I haven't heard of this. What makes the left side better than the right side? I saw this brought up in 2 posts recently. Can anyone enlighten me?

LegalLadyBug

Because of the way our circulatory systems work, laying on your left side increases circulation and as such is better for baby. Sometimes I sleep on my right side too though, I figure anything is better than laying on my back. 

elisbu

There is also a vein(?) that runs on the right side and another behind the uterus. As the uterus gets heavier it can put too much preasure on these two important blood paths.

That's why they suggest the left.

Tinybride08

I alternate sides. I hate sleeping on my side because I'm a back sleeper but I've been doing it. I keep getting neck and shoulder pains though. Oh well.

iris427

You don't have to only sleep on your left side.  I've heard that too and I think it's silly.  Sounds like a guaranteed way to make sure you get even less sleep.

Lying on your left side promotes better blood flow to the uterus.  It can be very helpful if you are doing a kick count, trying to stop Braxton-Hicks, if there is concern that the baby is in distress, etc.  But there is no need for a healthy pregnant woman to only sleep in one position her entire pregnancy.  That's just silliness. 

meghanchrisaz

iris427:

You don't have to only sleep on your left side.  I've heard that too and I think it's silly.  Sounds like a guaranteed way to make sure you get even less sleep.

Lying on your left side promotes better blood flow to the uterus.  It can be very helpful if you are doing a kick count, trying to stop Braxton-Hicks, if there is concern that the baby is in distress, etc.  But there is no need for a healthy pregnant woman to only sleep in one position her entire pregnancy.  That's just silliness. 

This! The ONLY time I've ever heard of this is on the nest/bump.

pandi02a

iris427:

But there is no need for a healthy pregnant woman to only sleep in one position her entire pregnancy.  That's just silliness. 

That is what I was thinking. I thought it sounded a little ridiculous. I had really never heard of it before and didn't understand the logic behind it. 

I appreciate the info from everyone though. I guess it's a good thing I sleep on my left side anyway, but if I didn't I don't think I would be making myself uncomfortable over it. 

rickandcaitlin

It is mentioned in What to Expect When Expecting. Also when the time gets gloser and you go into L&D after they hook you up to the contraction monitiors they will have you lay on your left side.

BetchySprout

I have heard this and also the same for people with certain heart issues. I try to sleep on my left side to be kind to my circulatory system but I almost always end up on my right side. 

melandjudd

I searched it one day and all it talked about was the liver being on the right and that could cause unneeded pressure, the crazy part is you can sleep on your stomach well until it gets to uncomfortable with the bump but since I am still bump free I always sleep on my stomach.

Luma88

My doctor told me it doesn't matter how I sleep!   So I am not worrying about it - although I have noticed that I wake up on my left side!

jess0530

I've tried the left side thing for a few weeks and I hate it.  I always end up on my back or right side... Not worth the stress of having to wake myself up to reposition!  Glad to hear reassurance that it's okay NOT to be on my left side.  

meghancmm84Wed21413

That would explain why the nurse had me lay on my left side when my blood pressure was high at my last appointment. I didn't understand why it mattered, but it makes sense now.

JessicaG56

ya its bc your vena cava runs on the rt side of your aorta. it just helps with flow for the same reason your not suppose to lay on your back for long. the further along you get the little more important it gets to help decrease swelling and stuff..that being said i try to sit that way but by no means freak out if i am not. and as someone else said they will have you lay on your left in the office for any issues or in L&D. my dr's in the past have actual asked me about me laying on my lt side so no it isn't a bump thing

janice74

I had to switch back and forth all night with DS once he got heavier.  He would actually slide down and get wedged under my ribs, so I would have to switch to the opposite side so he could slide the other way.  It was REALLY uncomfortable.  There was no way I could have stayed on one side all night.

MrsPLW71

I am a side sleeper, but as a lefty, I just can't be comfortable sleeping on my left side/arm.  Makes me feel confined and uncomfortable.  I always sleep on my right side